Now That Captain America's Reborn: Who'll Play Him in the Movie?

By
Michael Cavna

'CAPTAIN AMERICA' (Marvel Comics)

Has anyone checked Arlington National Cemetery to make sure the monument's still there?

The news this week that Steve Rogers is being resurrected beginning July 1 -- for the five-comic-book series "Captain America Reborn" -- comes two years after the superhero's assassination, and his would-be pubilc burial at Arlington.

Captain America's imminent return confirms months of speculation. (Said Marvel exec editor Tom Breevort in a press release: "The tenor of the world now is when we're at a point where we want to believe in heroes. Someone who can lead the way. It just feels like the right time.") It also comes nearly a year after Comic Riffs asked Marvel honcho Joe Quesada: "Is there any Marvel property right now that you think would make a great movie that might not be on the radar of Hollywood studios?"

Quesada's response: "The easy answer would be Captain America and Thor."

Now that a big-budgie film is expected in 2011, the big question gains new heat: Who should play Captain America in the movie?

Names that have been floated on blogs and fan sites include Ben Affleck and Channing Tatum. But neither feels right to 'Riffs. We'll take all suggestions.

In the first film, I am not sure. But possibly in that film, and certainly in the Avengers film, we may want to look at Mark Valley. So far, he fits every single profile. He LOOKS like Steve Rogers, he is a West Point grad and first Gulf War vet, and he is All-American. His only drawback is his age (44). That allows him to play today's Cap in the Marvel Universe, but it might be problematic otherwise.

Casting Cap is tricky, maybe the toughest casting job ever in comics next to Superman. Cap's eyes are his most important feature, next to his build and face. That person has to ooze sincerity and patriotism. Mamby-pamby actors need not apply.

I think either Patrick Wilson, who played Nite Owl in "The Watchmen" or Aaron Eckhart, who played Harvey Dent/Two Face in "Dark Knight." I think both have that All-American look that you would need for Steve Rogers - plus they're in pretty good shape.